Brussels, 17 November 2021 (TDI): Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Ann Linde, and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, co-chaired the international ministerial conference supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The conference was organized yesterday in Brussels to raise political and financial support for the United Nations agency. It was attended by 29 foreign, state, and deputy ministers, along with representatives of 61 countries and international organizations.
The dignitaries maintained that the agency needs assistance to provide services to over five million Palestinian refugees. Speaking at the occasion, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde urged international support for UNRWA until reaching a peaceful settlement on the refugee crisis.
To enable @UNRWA to respond to the humanitarian needs of #PalestineRefugees, today Sweden and Jordan co-chair an International Ministerial Conference for a more predictable and sustainable funding of the Agency. @AymanHsafadi pic.twitter.com/eJH5iTX75l
— Ann Linde (@AnnLinde) November 16, 2021
She stressed that the conference constitutes a credible opportunity to extend solidarity with Palestinian refugees, and the agency’s critical role and international mandate. The official also expressed her gratitude towards the agency’s diligent efforts amid difficult circumstances.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized the necessity of the international community’s continued provision of monetary support to the organization. He also noted that UNRWA is facing a budget deficit of around $100 million the following year.
Safadi also emphasized the need for ensuring the educational rights of over 500,000 Palestinian children, besides urging global support for the refugees’ rights to inalienable health care. He stressed that the role of UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is indispensable, where the agency acts as a stabilizing regional force.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, also participated in the conference. He spoke about the critical role played by UNRWA in enhancing regional stability and improving the lives of Palestinian refugees.
){kind=link}